DESCRIPTION: A study of the Book of Psalms with particular reference to a cross-section of Psalms: 6, 30, 42, 51, 72, 88, 89, 95, 100, 104, and 139. The whole of each psalm will be studied, but about ten verses each week will be designated for study in Hebrew.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: By the end of the course students should have (1) gained insight into a range of approaches to the study of the Psalms which can enable the Psalms to illumine and develop our relationship with God as the church and as individuals; and (2) discovered the value of studying the Psalms in Hebrew and been inspired to continue using Hebrew in the study of the Old Testament.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: See Learning Outcomes.

COURSE FORMAT: One class (two hours) will focus on the Hebrew text of a psalm. The other (one- and-a-half-hours) will consider general approaches to different types of psalms. In addition, students will take part in a half-hour on-line discussion.

REQUIRED READING:

Syllabus and Course Notes, posted at www.fuller.edu/sot/faculty/goldingay.

A copy of the Hebrew text of the OT (e.g., BHS)
(online at http://www.mechon-mamre.org/p/pt/pt2601.htm).

An NRSV or TNIV and one other translation.

A Hebrew Lexicon (e.g., BDB)

A Hebrew Syntax (e.g., Williams or Waltke/O'Connor).

See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic Advising office.

Pre-modern commentaries online: Augustine of Hippo; J. Calvin; M. Luther; C. H. Spurgeon; Thomas Aquinas.

Modern commentaries online at iPreach: J. L. Mays (Interpretation series); J. C. McCann (New Interpreter's Bible); A. Weiser (Old Testament Library series).

Print commentaries: as well as the above, A. A. Anderson, R. G. Bratcher and W. D. Reyburn, C. A. and E. G. Briggs, C. Broyles, W. Brueggemann (The Message of the Psalms), Chrysostom, P. C. Craigie/M. E. Tate/L. C. Allen (revised editions), E. Gerstenberger, J. Goldingay (Pss 1-41), Hossfeld and Zenger, D. Kidner, A. F. Kirkpatrick, H.-J. Kraus, K. Schaefer, Theodoret of Cyrus, C. Westermann (Living Psalms).

Dr. Goldingay's commentary on Psalms 42-150, posted at www.fuller.edu/sot/faculty/goldingay .

1. Attendance at classes and participation in on-line group discussion (pass/fail).

2. Weekly homework relating to class on general approaches to Psalms (about two hours each week; pass/fail).

3. Weekly translation and comment on about ten verses of a psalm in Hebrew (three to four hours each week; one half of final grade).

4. One 2500-3000 word exegetical study (4-5 pages) of a passage from a psalm other than those studied in class (one half of final grade).

PLEASE NOTE: OT507 Psalms and OT557 are different variants of the same course, respectively based on the Hebrew text and the English text. Students may register for only one of the two courses.